The Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness after welcoming defender Calvin Bassey to the team’s camp on Tuesday.
Bassey’s arrival at the Presidential Hotel increased the number of players in camp to 20, giving the coaching crew a balanced squad across all areas of the pitch. Germany-based forward Philip Otele, who impressed during Nigeria’s Unity Cup triumph in London, was expected to join the camp later on Tuesday.
The addition of Bassey provides Chelle with more options in defence. The Fulham defender could partner Semi Ajayi in central defence, while Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez are also available for selection as the Super Eagles prepare for the encounter.
Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle reiterated his determination to build a winning culture within the national team. “Now, we have a team and we are preparing to go out there and win. Winning is the mentality that we are trying to create in the team and among the players. We will go for a win on Wednesday,” he said.
Competition is also intense in the goalkeeping department, with Maduka Okoye impressing during training after arriving in Warsaw on Monday. Arthur Okonkwo, who kept clean sheets in his first two appearances for Nigeria during the Unity Cup, and Francis Uzoho are also available for selection.
The Super Eagles boast considerable depth in midfield and defence, with Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi competing for the left-back role. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Raphael Onyedika and youngster Abdullahi Bewene offer multiple options in the middle of the park.
In attack, Chelle can rely on Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, Terem Moffi, Otele and Paul Onuachu. Onuachu, who was recently named winner of the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season award, was among the standout performers during Monday’s training session.
Like Nigeria, Poland have also been integrating new faces into their squad. Coach Jan Urban is expected to count on winger Jakub Kamiński alongside Oskar Pietuszewski, Mateusz Żukowski, Norbert Wojtuszek, Kacper Potulski and Oskar Wójcik. The match will kick off at 8:45 p.m. local time (7:45 p.m. Nigerian time) at the 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw.
